Some have declared that this World Cup has gone into decline since we reached the quarter-final stage, citing the dip in the "entertainment" factor. This of course assumes that one became caught up in the hype about this being a "great" World Cup in the first place, and whether one falls into the trap of automatically equating "entertainment" with "quality".
First of all, teams cannot afford to take as many risks, and make mistakes, because one error could mean instant elimination. What do the football "hipsters" expect coaches to do, leave gaps everywhere and allow the opposition's creative players the freedom of the park? Secondly, the quality of defending, so derided by the pundits earlier in the tournament, as become greater and more consistently solid. Hence the relative lack of space, and goals, in the recent games.
I find it a bit puzzling why most people are citing Brazil v Argentina as the "dream final". Yes, it would be a dream to see the hosts pitted against Lionel Messi and co. in a feverish atmosphere. However, Germany and the Netherlands has equal allure and potency, and would arguably be a more interesting footballing spectacle overall. As it happens, in recent days, my mind has been wandering gradually towards the likelihood of a final between those two European nations.
Germany, to me, still look overall the best team in the tournament, with more options in creative areas, greater cohesion as a unit, and more energy and vigour in reserve. The fact that they will be facing a weakened Brazil in the semi-final only strengthens their prospects, although the circumstances surrounding the Brazilian team, particularly the Neymar injury and the Thiago Silva suspension, can not be under-estimated in their potential to produce inspiration from the hosts.
People are saying that the absence of their most talented individual will in some ways benefit Brazil, because it will force them to play more as a unit, and to vary their approach. This theory, of course, involves a pretty big assumption - that is, that the remaining Brazil players are up to the task of making such a revised approach work, and delivering a victory against Joachim Loew's side. Several individuals will very much need to "step up to the plate".
The emasculation of Brazil's attacking options must surely make it easier for Germany to concentrate on playing their own game, and fully utilising their manifold strengths in midfield and forwards. If they so desire, they could well dictate the tempo of the match. If Loew gets the balance and tactics right, then I can see Germany progressing to the final.
It seems that the outcome of the Netherlands v Argentina semi-final will rest primarily on what more outlandish tricks Louis van Gaal has up his sleeve! In all seriousness, I see this tie as more evenly balanced than the other one, and therefore more difficult to call. Argentina have Lionel Messi, of course, but may be deprived of Angel Di Maria for the semi-final. He is their second most talented player, and after that the options begin to look a little barren in truth.
The Dutch have stagnated a little since their dazzling displays in the group stages, but Arjen Robben still seemed buzzing with energy and positivity against Costa Rica. Although Robin van Persie looked a little out of sorts, I can't see the starting line-up at least being affected by the coach's imaginative "horses for courses" initiatives. Further back, plans may be hatched in an attempt to negate the influence of a certain Barcelona player.
Notwithstanding the fact that it is my preferred final line-up, on balance I can see the last two standing after Wednesday evening being Germany and Netherlands.
It seems that the outcome of the Netherlands v Argentina semi-final will rest primarily on what more outlandish tricks Louis van Gaal has up his sleeve! In all seriousness, I see this tie as more evenly balanced than the other one, and therefore more difficult to call. Argentina have Lionel Messi, of course, but may be deprived of Angel Di Maria for the semi-final. He is their second most talented player, and after that the options begin to look a little barren in truth.
The Dutch have stagnated a little since their dazzling displays in the group stages, but Arjen Robben still seemed buzzing with energy and positivity against Costa Rica. Although Robin van Persie looked a little out of sorts, I can't see the starting line-up at least being affected by the coach's imaginative "horses for courses" initiatives. Further back, plans may be hatched in an attempt to negate the influence of a certain Barcelona player.
Notwithstanding the fact that it is my preferred final line-up, on balance I can see the last two standing after Wednesday evening being Germany and Netherlands.
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